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SOUTH ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Area Agency on Aging
MOBILE * BALDWIN * ESCAMBIA
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Aging Disability and Resource Center
AGING HOTLINE:251-706-4680 or 800-243-5463
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FROM THE AAA DIRECTOR
JULIE MCGEE
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REGISTER NOW!
Opportunity For Seniors to Engage in Your Community
Legacy Leadership Institute March 24-26, 2025
Each year, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) partners with the University of South Alabama (USA) to hold our 3-day Legacy Leadership Institute (LLI). Our 2024 graduating class is pictured above.
The LLI is for seniors who want to volunteer in the community, but are unsure how to make the connections needed. It is designed to help retired professionals and baby boomers find their niche in the world of volunteering and explore opportunities through the AAA.
The event is held two days at the Agency office on Beauregard Street and one day at the USA Faculty Club, with USA faculty and staff provide education on aging issues and impactful volunteering. The class is free to attend, and daily lunches, snacks and class materials are included. All graduates are awarded graduation certificates and we have a special participation gift for all attendees.
Seniors are also trained in ways to launch their own volunteer efforts: one of our 2024 grads developed an active Senior Citizen group at her church; and previous attendees have started an Alzheimer's support group and opened a Senior Center serving the local community. For more information, contact Barbara Estes at 251-706-4676 or email her at bestes@sarpc.org.
Click Here to Register Online
As always, we are here to assist you with your Medicare needs, free and reduced priced medications, understanding technology (smart phone and computer help), caregiving assistance and more. Call our Aging Hotline at 251-706-4680 to be assessed for programs and services that can help you remain independent.
Wishing You a Happy 2025,
Julie McGee
Director
Area Agency on Aging
South Alabama
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UPCOMING EVENTS
All of Our Events are Free and Open to the Public
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Free Tax Preparation Program:
Schedule Your Appointments
Information: 251-444-1660 or email Kim Tate
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FEBRUARY
Medicare Q & A
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
AAA Office at GM&O Building
Information: 251-706-4680 or email James Roberson
Matter of Balance Falls Prevention Class
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Sage Health
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Information: 251-706-4663 or email Marcella Nettles
MARCH
Legacy Leadership Institute (LLI)
March 24-26, 2025
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. each day
Area Agency on Aging and University of South Alabama Faculty Club
Information: 251-706-4676 or email Barbara Estes
Click Here to Register Online
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SAVE YOUR DATES FOR OCTOBER EXPOS
Senior Lifestyle Expos
Mobile County
Thursday, October 2, 2025
The Grounds
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Baldwin County
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Baldwin County Coliseum
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Check our Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on Expo details.
https://www.facebook.com/agingsouthalabama
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CAREGIVER CONNECTION
More than 44 million Americans provide unpaid caregiving. The value of this unpaid labor is more than $306 billion annually. Unpaid caregiving is actually a multi-billion dollar industry. And yet, we know that unpaid caregivers receive no formal on-the-job training and are provided little or no support. Our Alabama Cares program provides caregivers that support.
Our new quick read e-newsletter, Caregiver Connection, is distributed monthly. Each newsletter focuses on a topic specifically targeting caregivers, providing easy access to information and resources. In this issue, we are providing suggestions on how caregivers can build strength through respite and peer support.
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SENIOR CENTER MEMBERS: CALL FOR RECEIPES FOR STATEWIDE COOKBOOK
Area Agencies on Aging around the state are working with seniors to compile a cookbook of favorite recipes of older adults. Cookbooks are a way to share delicious recipes, re-live family memories and bring people together through cooking. We are looking for recipes in the following categories: Breads, Loaves and Muffins; Main Dishes; Side Dishes; Desserts (Cookies, Bars & Candy); and This and That. If you are a member of one of our 26 Senior Centers, please consider submitting a recipe. If you have any questions, reach out to Barbara Estes at 251-706-4676 or bestes@sarpc.org
Click Here for the Submission Form
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2025 SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDES PBLISHED AND READY FOR DISTRIBUTION
Our Senior Resource Guide is the publication for information on enriching your life, whether as a volunteer, through taking classes, joining a recreation or wellness program, maximizing your Medicare benefits, improving your financial security, finding in-home services to help you age in place, or with information on Alzheimer’s care and nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Our indexed Directory Listing has contact information on businesses and senior service providers in the following areas:
To request copies, contact Barbara Estes at 251-706-4676 or bestes@sarpc.org.
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EGG PRICES ARE NOT EGG-CELLENT
Eggs epitomizes what consumers hate about today’s high prices. We all buy them regularly and know their exact cost. They're ingredients in a lot of foods. And if you're looking for a protein source, they're one of the healthier alternatives out there that won't break your grocery budget. The cost of a dozen grade-A large eggs hit $4.15 in December (per BLS), up from $2.51 a year ago. The average price of eggs hasn't been below $3 since June, and it hasn't been below $2 since the start of 2022. Here is why they are so expensive.
The Avian Flu or “Bird Flu”
The Bird Flu - a highly pathogenic avian influenza - has swept across the US for the third straight year. It’s spreading not only in birds, but also in dairy cows and cats. And, frighteningly, now people: 68 cases across the US and 2 confirmed cases in Alabama (Cullman and Pickens Counties). Infected birds have to be destroyed and the industry had lost 26 million birds since October (7% of the total flock).
Consumer Demand
Eggs are always high demand at the holiday because of all the holiday baking. Cold winter months can lead to higher demand, because when bad weather hits and people panic-buy and grab eggs. And then comes Easter, which is also egg-heavy. In fact, we have been buying eggs even more than normal for the past couple of years.
On the bright side, we don’t live in California. In this state – with a cage-free requirement that all birds must roam free – eggs are increasing in price even more. A dozen large eggs is $8.86!
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WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THE HIGH COST OF EGGS AND OTHER GROCERIES
Inflation Fighting Food Assistance (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has made a comeback as a new and improved program. Benefits average $154 per month for those 60+. The application process is private and easy: no office visit is required; and the application can be mailed, faxed, emailed, or completed online. Persons with no earned income (job or business) can self-declare their income. Everyone in the household must be 60 years or older to use the AESAP simplified application process.
The application is approved for three years, with only annual re-certifications, and seniors can submit actual medical expenses to increase their award amount. Benefits are awarded on a debit card mailed to your home, allowing for privacy when shopping at grocery and convenience stores. And, there are no taxes on SNAP purchases.
New Benefits! Walmart Plus is offering a 50% discount on annual memberships for SNAP participants, just $6.47 per month. This allows you to access:
- Free grocery delivery
- Gas savings up to 10 cents per gallon
- Early access to deals, promotions, and events
- Streaming and internet discounts
For more information, reach out to our Aging Hotline at 251-706-4680 or email the Aging and Disability Resource Center
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SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE NOT AFFECTED BY FEDERAL ACTIONS
The White House budget office ordered a pause on all federal grants and loans effective as of 5:00 pm on January 28. However, it removed Social Security and Medicare from the list. More than 50 million seniors collect a monthly Social Security check and 67 million Americans are currently on Medicare. Note on the senior population in the U.S. - 11,000 people are turning 65 every day starting this year up to 2027. Update: Media is reporting the action has been rescinded.
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UPDATE: FARMERS MARKET VOUCHERS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has issued the statement below. For further information or questions, contact the ADIA at (800) 642-7761 or 334-240-7100.
Or, email the department through the following contact form link:
https://agi.alabama.gov/contact-us/
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SENIORS CAN GET THEIR TAXES DONE FOR FREE!
RSVP Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits, trains and connects seniors 55 and older to volunteer opportunities in their community. One of RSVP's flagship programs is the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Volunteers are trained to prepare tax returns for seniors and the disabled. Last year, the program served more than 3,000 clients and resulted in more than $1.9 million in tax refunds.
The program serves seniors in Baldwin and Escambia Counties. To schedule an appointment, contact Kim Tate at 251-444-1660 or email ktate@sarpc.org. Or, contact the site that serves your area and make an appointment with the onsite Coordinator.
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MAKING SENIORS SMARTER ON THEIR SMART PHONES
Scams, using GPS, phone passwords, managing apps and video calls with family….SARPC IT Manager Katelyn Roberts recently taught seniors how to better use their smart phones at the Via Health Fitness and Enrichment Center. Participants had an overall training, and were then able to get one-on-one assistance. The program is partnership with the National Council on Aging and AT&T to provide technical assistance in person and in group sessions, such as help with computers, tablets, emailing, video conferencing and cyber security. You can schedule an appointment with Katelyn by calling our Aging Hotline at 251-706-4680.
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CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
We held a holiday lunch at Wintzell's Oyster House to recognize our State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), Matter of Balance and the AAA Advisory Board volunteers. We couldn't do our work without all of their time and talents. If you are interested in volunteering for one of our programs, call the Aging Hotline at 251-706-4680.
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SENIOR CENTERS ARE A GREAT PLACE TO SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS
Our Senior Nutrition Centers are always a hub for great activities and meals with friends, especially during the holidays! The Atmore, Wilmer and Grand Bay Senior Centers were among some of them, and our wonderful Senior Center Managers enjoyed fellowshipped at holiday parties.
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OUR OBUDSMAN ADVOCATING FOR SENIORS
Help During the Holidays...Ombudsman Frank Willis educated Mobile Infirmary’s social service staff on long term care facility resident issues. Frank advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He works to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents. If you have a loved one living in a long term care facility and need support, reach out to our Agency Long Term Care Ombudsman at 251-706-4680.
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THIS GROUP OF SENIORS FIGHTS FOR YOU
The Alabama Silver Haired Legislature (ASHL) is a senior volunteer legislature, elected by peers and mirrors the 105 state legislative districts. ASHL's District 8 includes 14 members from Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties. District 8 held its Christmas gathering today at David's Catfish House in Atmore.
ASHL advocates for issues of importance to older adults in their districts, informs the Alabama Legislature about needs and concerns, and serves as an educational organization for Alabama’s seniors.
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South Alabama Regional Planning Commission
Area Agency on Aging
Serving Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties as a hub for information and services for adults aged 60 and older, their caregivers, and persons with disabilities.
ADRC Aging Hotline: information, counseling & benefits screening * Medicare counseling & Medicare Savings Program * Medicaid Waiver with choice of provider for in-home care * Prescription drug cost savings * Wellness classes * Legal counseling and Ombudsman advocacy for long-term care facilities * Caregiver support, education and respite services * Senior Nutrition Centers for hot lunches and recreation * Home-delivered meals and SNAP food assistance
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South Alabama Regional Planning Commission
Area Agency on Aging
110 Beauregard Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602
251-706-4680
View on Map
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